Blues duo sign new contracts

Blues duo sign new contracts

Josh Navidi has signed a new contract which will keep him at the Blues until 2016.

Josh Navidi and Scott Andrews have both signed new deals to stay with Cardiff Blues.

Flanker Navidi has signed a new contract which will keep him with the region until 2016 while prop Andrews has agreed a two-year extension.

Navidi made his senior Blues debut against Heineken Cup champions, Leinster, at the RDS in 2009, coming on as a replacement for Scott Morgan.

Speaking of his new contract Navidi said, "I'm happy with my form at the Blues and feel my playing has been consistent, but I can always keep pushing myself to see how I can improve as a player.

"Changing between six and seven doesn't really worry me, as long as I am on the pitch and representing the Blues. I see a lot more of the ball in the breakdown when I play at seven but then playing at six alongside Sam Warburton is great for my overall game."

The former Brynteg Comprehensive pupil moved to New Zealand at 16 to study accountancy and PE at Christchurch's St Bedes school and went on to win the South Island College League and came third nationally. Upon returning to Wales, Navidi played for Wales U20 in all of the 2010 U20's Six Nations tournament and led Wales to victory against France at Newport.

"I played U20's two years ago including the Junior World Cup in Japan and Argentina when Phil Davies was the coach. He is a very constructive person to have in charge. He is always pushing the players and keeping us positive in the way we play. That is as true now as when he used to coach me at U20 level. He encourages us and I enjoy playing under him as a coach."

Andrews was part of the Welsh Junior World Championship side that reached the last four of the inaugural tournament held in Wales in 2008 and captained the side against France and Italy in the 2009 U20s Six Nations.

Having been capped at Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 levels for Wales he then went on to captain his country in the Junior World Cup in Japan in June 2009.

A product of the Blues Age Grade and Academy system, Andrews made his senior Blues debut against Ulster at Ravenhill in the Magners League in 2009.

Andrews said, "We have had a tough start to the season but we have a great group of boys here and things are looking good for the future, so I am really glad to stay on. I have been here since I was 16 and didn't want to look elsewhere as I am happy at the Blues.

"We have a lot of young boys mixed with some top internationals who are contracted for the next few years, so slowly we are producing a good core. It will be exciting to see it progress over the next few years."